Singapore tops new Belt & Road index

SINGAPORE: According to an index of real estate prospects in 67 countries along China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), Singapore, Qatar and United Arab Emirates come out top.

The index, produced by international property advisors Frank Knight, is classified into six categories: economic potential, demographic advantage, infrastructure development, institutional effectiveness, market accessibility and resilience to natural disasters.

Southeast Asian countries rank favorably, especially Malaysia and Vietnam, says the report. However apart from Singapore, many have major infrastructure financing deficits and Chinese companies are well-placed to plug those gaps.

Knight Frank regional head for Asia Pacific Kevin Coppel, says the BRI is a clear manifestation of China’s vision and influence. “The infrastructure and investment underpinning the BRI will streamline trade flows and lift economic activity in much of Asia, the Middle East, and North and Eastern Africa.

“While the vision will bring huge opportunities for investors and developers, the BRI will also change the face of corporate China, which will have an enormous influence in the 21st century as Chinese brands become household names around the world,” he adds.

The company concludes there are widespread opportunities as improving bilateral relations between the BRI countries and China provide potential for real estate investment, development and business expansion. “No doubt the BRI will provide further impetus to corporate China’s growth and influence in global markets,” says Coppel.